Open Access is an initiative that aims to make scientific research freely available to all. To date our community has made over 100 million downloads. It’s based on principles of collaboration, unobstructed discovery, and, most importantly, scientific progression. As PhD students, we found it difficult to access the research we needed, so we decided to create a new Open Access publisher that levels the playing field for scientists across the world. How? By making research easy to access, and puts the academic needs of the researchers before the business interests of publishers.

We are a community of more than 103,000 authors and editors from 3,291 institutions spanning 160 countries, including Nobel Prize winners and some of the world’s most-cited researchers. Publishing on IntechOpen allows authors to earn citations and find new collaborators, meaning more people see your work not only from your own field of study, but from other related fields too.

Abstract

The mathematical models of fire distribution in a confined space–in underground garages and in buildings—are described. Integral and computational fluid mechanics methods are used. The chapter presents the results of a fire simulation using the software Fluent. It uses Reynolds-type turbulence models of the Fire Dynamic Simulation or PyroSim graphical interface with a solution model describing a turbulence. For both cases, the pictures of the spread of fire and smoke over time in an atrium of an administrative building and a five-story building of the TUS were presented.

Keywords

fire simulation

FDS

garages

buildings

numerical simulation

chapter and author info

Authors

Ivan Antonov

Technical Univesity of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria

Rositsa Velichkova*

Technical Univesity of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria

Svetlin Antonov

Technical Univesity of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria

Kamen Grozdanov

Technical Univesity of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria

*Address all correspondence to: rositsavelichkova@abv.bg

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.91274

From the Edited Volume

1. Introduction

Mathematical modeling and numerical simulations of fires are an essential decisive part of the solution of important problems related to fire safety, analysis of the development of fires in the investigation of their consequences. The methods that are used must have the necessary accuracy and reliability, as close as possible to the physical picture of the processes.

The actual fire, as it is known, is an uncontrollable combustion process, complex enough and difficult for mathematical interpretation. This is due to its nonstationarity and three-dimensionality, which complicate the modeling of the heat and mass transfer processes observed in them. In the case of fires indoors of underground garages, buildings, and rooms, the development of the fire is accompanied by a change in the chronicle composition and parameters of the combustion products.

This chapter gives two different approaches in dealing with their complexity and implementation of solving the problem. On the other hand, an integrated, relatively simplified technical solution of a new system for preventing the spread of fires in underground garages is given, which is described in details in the chapter.

The second part deals with the basic mathematical apparatus used in CFD-Fluent and FDS software. The results of two fire simulations made by the authors through Fluent and FDS using the PyroSim GUI are presented [1, 2].

2. Fire extinguishing system in large underground garages: integral methods for investigation

In the present part, a simple method (from a technological point of view) is offered for solution of the complex problem. It is suggested to isolate the parked in the garage cars in pairs by which will be operating a thick curtain of water at arisen burning. The necessary insulation for solid noncombustible barriers are replaced at this way [3, 4, 5, 6].

2.1 Operating principal

Referring to Figure 1, cars are placed to ensure the possibility between the pairs to have enough distance for the implementation of water curtains. In case of burning over the car is formed upward convective flow, because of differences of the density of the products of combustion and the environment. This stream is proportional to the lift force:

Figure 1.

Distribution of cars in the garages.

dFA=−∫fρ−ρokgdfdx,E1

where f is the area of fire ignition and dx is elementary stretch in the vertical direction.

The power of convective updraft is determined by the number of Archimedes:

Ar=ρokρ−1gdhu02,E2

where dh is the hydraulic diameter of the outbreak of fire and u0 is the initial value of the velocity of the upward flow. The velocity is determined according to [6]:

u02=1,9Q15,E3

where Q,kWis the power of the fire.

The convective flow that is formed is shown in Figure 2. The conditional flow can be divided into the following areas: Convective flow is formed in zone I (Figure 3). The ambient air enters the fire zone from all directions, which heats and reverses the direction vertically. The second zone is a free convective flow that continues until it reaches the ceiling of the room where the flow changes character (zone III). In this zone, the jet is transformed into a radially semi-enclosed stream and spreads over the garage ceiling (zone IV).

Figure 2.

Distribution of the fire.

Figure 3.

Sketch of the convective flow.

The system includes fire sprinklers—quick response and standard sprinklers. Convective flow is reaching the garage ceiling under the influence of its temperature and a quick response sprinkler is switched on and the burning car is flushed with a water spray. Thus begins the process of extinguishing a fire in the initial stages. Further, propagating as a radial semi-closed jet, it reaches the “standard” reaction sprinklers that are included on the water curtain [7, 8].

This stage is defined as the isolation of burning cars from the surrounding area and no other pairs are affected.

2.2 Mathematical model of convective non-isothermal jet

For the purpose of solving the task is used an integral method according to [9, 10]. The used equations are as follows [11, 12, 13]:

for amount of movement

ddx∫0bρu2πyjdy=−g∫0bρ−ρокπyjdyE4

to preserve enthalpy flow

ddx∫0bρΔhuyjdy=0E5

for export of vertical upward mass flow

ddx∫0buρ−ρокπyjdy=0E6

A simple solution can be made as (5) of enthalpy is replaced by a linear dependence on the widening of the jet

b=cxE7

On the right-hand side of Eq. (4) is written the Archimedes buoyancy. The significance of included symbols is as follows: u is the jet velocity; y is the transverse coordinate; ρis the current density; ρокis the density of the environment; and Δhis the enthalpy of the stream. The exponent j signifies: at j = 0 a flat stream and j = 1 an axis jet. The coordinate x is directed vertically upward.

There is a correlation between density and temperature:

ρ=pRT,E8

where p is the pressure of the environment, R is the gas constant, and T is the absolute temperature. Similarity to transverse distribution of the velocity and the density (temperature) are initiated [1, 2], where solving Eqs. (4) and (6) leads to the parameters of the upward convective stream:

the velocity of the upward stream

um=Bu″D013ΔTпл49x¯13E9

the temperature difference

ΔTm=Tm−Tenv=BΔT″D013ΔT89x¯53,E10

where D0is the initial diameter of the heat source of fire (the burning car); ΔT1=Tfl−Тenv; x¯=xD0; the constants Bu″and BΔT″have values Bu″=0.222m3K94, BΔT″=0.71m1/3K9/8.

These values correspond to the case at x¯=xD0≥3÷3.5. When adopted fire size created from a burning car D0=0.5mand height H=3÷4.5m, x¯of the garage will be always greater than the above values.

At the relatively short distance to the ceiling, the high power of fire (the accepted conditions are Q=1500Wand T=600K), the velocity and the temperature of the rising convective stream do not change significantly.

The initial velocity calculated by Eq. (3) is u0=8.2m/sand the time when the convective stream will reach the ceiling at different heights of the garage is given in Table 1.

h, m

3

3.5

4

4.5

Δt

0.36

0.43

0.49

0.55

Table 1.

h—height of the garage, m; Δt—time of the fire to reach the ceiling, m.

This means that less than 1 s sprinklers over the burning car will be activated and extinguishing stream will flow over the burning car.

The expansion (increasing of thickness) of the jet in height can be determined by the expression:

dbdx=0.22ρ0+ρок2ρок,E11

where,

b=0.22ρ0+ρок2ρокE12

The density of the jet in the opening section is defined by Eq. (8): at R=287J/kgK, T0=600K, p=105Pain which for ρ0is received ρ=0.58kg/m3. The density of the environment is ρenv=11.2kg/m3at the same pressure and temperature Tenv=293K. At this density, the widening of the jet in the present case is

b=0.163xE13

For a different height in the garage, the parameter b is given in Table 2.

h (m)

3

3.5

4

4.5

b1 (m)

0.501

0.507

0.652

0.73

bsou (m)

0.651

0.77

7.74

1.98

Table 2.

h—height of the garage, m; b0—initial width of the radial jet, m; b1—width of the radial jet, m.

The last row in Table 2 is given the extension of the isothermal jetT0≈Tenv. Obviously a slight extension of non-isothermal convective flow comparing with the isothermal.

Figure 4.

Sketch of radial jet.

Due to the weak widening of the jet and the short distance to the ceiling, the mass flow is not increased significantly because the temperature, density, and relatively low mileage ceiling have not changed. The jet has retained its temperature and density, and the velocity according to [14] may be determined:

umax=0.88u0,E14

where for u0=8.2m/sit is umax=7.2m/s.

It is assumed that the starting size of the radial jet is equal to that obtained in Table 2, b1, that is D0=b1.

Width of the radial jet b0 is determined by the flow rate Q at the intersection of the reverse flow. The flow rate is amount of initial flow rates Q0 and increase its height due to suction of air from the environment. The flow rate of ejecting fluid is considered proportional to the square of the relative increase in the width of the jet b1−b0b02and the distance x divided by the duration of the process Δt.

Qej≈b1−b0b02xΔt,m3/sE15

In this, total flow rate is obtained as the sum of normal and ejecting flow rate:

Q=Q0+Qеj,m3/s,E16

where Q0=u0πdn24, when dn=0.5mand u0=8m/swe have:

Q=Q0+Qеj=u0πdn24+b1−b0b02xΔtE17

The flow rate of the respective heights x=3;3.5;4;4.5mof the garage is shown in Figure 5 where it is defined by the relationship given in Eq. (12), respectively and in case of a leak by Eq. (13).

Figure 5.

Change of the flow rate at different heights of the garage.

According to Figure 4, it is assumed D0=b1that is already known and for flow rate in Eq. (16), the original width of the radial jet b0′is calculated:

The average velocity of the ceiling of the room depending on r is obtained by:

um=QS,E23

respectively:

um=Q2.2πc′r2,m/sE24

Parking average velocity depending on r at the four heights is shown in Figure 7. Figure 8 shows the time to reach the appropriate distance:

Figure 7.

Average velocity at different heights of garage.

Figure 8.

Time to reach the sprinklers at different heights of garage.

Δt=rum,sE25

This means that in the first 2 s, all sprinklers at distance of 2 m away from the burning car will be triggered. For longer distances, the remote sprinklers will act at a condition if the temperature of the burning car does not decrease too quickly. For maximum calculated time of 7.7 s could not be expected too much decrease of the temperature, which leads to the conclusion that the ceiling temperature will be much greater than the starting temperature of “fast” sprinklers so that at tp=57°Cor T = 330°K will always remain less than the temperature of the wall jet which initial temperature is 600°K.

With the removal from the water curtain, it is possible to turn on the other ceiling sprinklers that are in the range.

In the vicinity of the burning car to sprinkler curtain, a distance of l≤2mwill trigger three (to five) fast sprinklers. At a longer distance, it will trigger maximum of three quick sprinklers of water curtain plus the main ones over the burning car and eventually those are lying in the range of l=4mceiling sprinklers so that the number of activated sprinklers will increase [10].

To create a smokeless zone under a layer of smoke floating [14], air exhaust systems are designed and installed for smoke and hot gases. An exhaust ventilation system for smoke and hot gases is a scheme of safety equipment designed to perform a positive role in spin fire. The smoke is drawn in the direction of the noncarrier partition EI from a velocity of 2 m/s to 5 m/s. Standard allowed velocity of 5 m/s, but it should be taken into consideration that this velocity would affect negatively and lead to the merging of streams of pure air.

From Abramovich [14], the density of the thermal load in the premises for the storage of combustible materials according to their purpose, is determined the heat capacity of the prevailing materials. The ventilation system to remove smoke and heat (VSRSH) has to reach its designed performance level within 60 s of receiving the command signal. Each VSRSH has to ensure receipt of sufficient fresh air that enters the room for the expense of the flue products.

2.3 Thermal impact

Heat transfer by convection and radiation is defined according to [3, 10]. Thermal effects are expressed by the intensity of the heat flow hnbt,W/m2to the surface of the element is determined taking into account the heat transfer by convection and radiation, such as:

hnbt=hnbt,c+hnbt,r,W/m2,E26

where heat transfer by convection hnbt,cis given by the relationship

hnbt,c=αcθg−θm,W/m2E27

radiation heat transfer hnbt,ris given by the dependence:

hnbt,r=Φεmεfσθ1r+2732−θm+2734,W/m2E28

Convection component of the intensity of the heat flow is determined by:

hnbt,t=αcθg−θm,W/m2E29

where αcis the heat transfer coefficient by convection Wm2K; θgis the gas temperature near the exposed fire element [°C]; and θmis the surface temperature of the element [°C].

The coefficient of heat transfer by convection αcis determined by the nominal curves corresponding to “temperature–time.” On indirectly heated surface elements, the intensity of heat flow hnbtis determined by Eq. (16) where αc=4Wm2K. The coefficient of heat transfer by convection has value αc=9Wm2K, considering that the effects of heat transfer by radiation are included. Radiating components of net heat flux per unit surface area are defined as hnbt,r=Φεmεfσθ1r+2732−θm+2734,W/m2, where: Ф is the factor of configuration, εmis the emitting surface element, εfthe transmission of fire, σ=5.67×108WK4m2is the constant of Stefan-Boltzmann, θris the effective temperature of the radiation environment [°C], and θmis the surface temperature of the element [°C]. Transmission of fire is equal to εf=1.

2.4 Determination of the intensity of water curtain

Because of the difficulties associated with the construction of fire walls, experiments are conducted so that these areas to be reduced to such proportions that the primarily split up do not disturb of the process. In many cases, such as in buildings of first degree of fire resistance, as already noted, firewalls did not provide the detriment of fire safety. In connection with this arises a need of using such fire barriers that could effectively limit the spread of fire and at the same time would give some freedom for internal layout of buildings with different functions, which is the case of the water curtain [15].

When calculating water curtains, the assumption must simultaneously satisfy the following conditions:

Structural parts of the building to withstand the effects of fire on one side and the passage of flames or hot gases to be prevented by the transfer of heat to the unexposed side. The ability of the structural parts of the building to withstand the effects of fire on one side and prevent the transfer of heat from the exposed to the unexposed side. The transfer is limited so that it does not ignite either the unexposed surface, or any other material in the immediate vicinity. The structural element is designed to serve as a barrier against the heat and to ensure the protection of people who are close to it.

The effectiveness of water curtains is assessed according to the amount of absorbed heat.

It is known that the dependence of the growth temperature of the source of radiation of maximum energy moves to the side of the shorter waves. This follows from the law of Vin:

λmax,TT=0.29=constE30

where λis the wavelength in m, T is the temperature at the surface of water curtain, °K.

Good enough inter-phase and heat-absorbing surfaces have water drops of size 200 × 10−6. It is considered that in the best case, sprinklers spray water of size less then 1000 μm.

2.5 Required flow rate for air curtain

The current has the following characteristics: density of the radiation heat flux is 1500 W/m2; density of the irradiation protected material is 900 W/m2; height of the hole–4 m; length of the hole–6 m; pressure of water in sprinkler–0.6 MPa (6 atm) and the radius of the water drops–0.0006 m (600 μm).

Opacity density of the curtain:

δ=2.303logqизлqкр=0.51E31

Thickness of the curtain:

R=δc=0.512.8=0.182mE32

Flow rate of the water curtain for 1 m2 of lateral surface is defined by:

Q=0.666μρrRH2gh=0.467lsm2E33

For the whole surface of the water curtain:

QH=11.2l/sE34

Water curtains are constructed so that the entire hole is irrigated with finely dispersed water. For this purpose, sprinklers are placed over the hole and next to it. When they are placed at the top of the hole, it is possible for unprotected areas to remain through which it is possible for a penetration of hot gases to occur.

Sprinkler heads that are used to spray jets are spaced 0.5 m in protecting small holes and 1.25–1.5 m in protecting large holes. For sprinkler heads which are situated at a distance greater than 3 m, it is required head pressure of the water 4–6 mH2O.

The mathematical model is based on the equations used in the computational mechanics of fluids. These are the continuity equations, the Navier-Stokes equations in modification according to the Businex hypothesis (μeff = μ + μt), the energy equation (1st law of Thermodynamics), the Clapeyron equation for the gas mixture. Fire currents run at low speeds in the absence of detonation and explosions.

In the case of a fire without detonation, combustion, and explosions, it can be assumed: divV→=0, ∂u∂x+∂v∂y+∂w∂z≡0.

To these are added the equations for smoke propagation (smoke content) and for the optical density of the gas mixture.

where cpis the specific heat content at constant pressure; λis the coefficient of thermal conductivity; λiis the coefficient of turbulent thermal conductivity; λpis the coefficient of radiation thermal conductivity; and qvis the intensity of internal heat sources.

Here, qv, can be represented by qv=qvc+qvr+qvb, where qvkis the intensity of internal convective heat sources; qvbis the intensity of internal combustion sources; and qvris the intensity of internal sources due to radiation heat transfer.

Gas condition equation is given by:

p=ρTR,E40

where R is the universal gas constant.

Law for the conservation of the mass of the ith gas that is a part of the mixture is

where D is the diffusion coefficient, representing the sum of the coefficient of gas diffusion Diand the coefficient of turbulent diffusion DtD=Di+Dt; χis the mass concentration of the ith gas; miis the intensity of internal mass sources arising from the formation (disappearance) of molecules of a gas, a consequence of the ongoing chemical reactions of combustion in fires.

The law (equation) for preserving the optical density of smoke is of the form:

∂Don∂t+u∂Don∂x+v∂Don∂y+w∂Don∂z=qD,E42

where Donis the smoke-generating capacity of the combustible material and qDis the intensity of the internal sources of optical density of the smoke formed by the ongoing reaction of combustion in a fire [3].

The thermophysical parameters of the mixture of gases involved and the result of combustion in a fire take into account the chemical composition of this mixture. It consists of oxygen, nitrogen, and combustion products - carbon monoxide, nitrogen, sulfur, etc., involved in the process combustible ingredients. They are defined as follows:

density of the mixture

ρ=∑i−1nαiρiE43

gas constant

R=∑i−1nχiRiE44

specific heat capacity

cp=∑i−1nχcpi,E45

where αiis the bulk concentration of the ith component and Hiis its mass concentration.

The values of these parameters are determined at constant pressure (p=const). They can be considered as temperature dependent or considered permanent.

3.1 A characteristic equation

The characteristic equation summarizes the main partial differential equations, which are solved sequentially in software for each of the flow parameters. The type of equation is as follows:

∂∂xρΦ+divρwΦ=divГgradΦ+S,E46

where Φis the dependent variable—velocity components, enthalpy, concentration of the components of the gas medium, optical density of the smoke, respectively; Гis the diffusion coefficient for the corresponding Φ; and S is the source member. The values for Eq. (46) are given in [9].

3.2 Modeling the turbulence using CFD

Most often, a CFD-Fluent turbulence k−εmodel is applied. In this model, the coefficient of turbulent viscosity υtis represented by the Kolmogorov-Prandtl dependence, as the ratio of kinematic turbulent energy k and the rate of dissipation ε:

υt=Cμk2ε,E47

where

k=12u'2+v'2+w'2;ε=υ∂u∂x2+∂v∂y2+∂w∂z2¯E48

3.3 FDS turbulence modeling

To close the system of equations at FDS, as in all other cases in turbulent flows, it is necessary to use appropriate models of turbulence. In this case, the large eddy simulation model [9] known in this type of task as the LES model is recommended as the most appropriate. The model is described in detail in [9].

The model of large eddy simulation is based on the following: large-scale vortices differ markedly in the course of transition from one current to another, with the small-scale structure changing slightly. The field of large-scale structures needs to be defined. Continuity of flow parameters is assumed using Leonard’s so-called filtering function. For each flow parameter, a = a + a′. Dissipative combustion processes such as viscous thermal conductivity, diffusion, and impurity transfer are modeled. What is special about the model is that the scale of the vortex structures is smaller than the size of the data network. The parameters μ, λ, and D in the equations describing the process are replaced by expressions modeling their effect.

The strain rate tensor is used to determine μ. Thermal conductivity and impurity diffusion are determined by:

λt=μtcpprtρDt=μtS0tμt=ρυtE49

In the case of laminar heat transfer and diffusion, respectively:

λ=μcpprρD=μS0tE50

The process of combustion in the fire is most often implemented using the “Part of the mixture” approach. It is a scalar quantity characterizing the mass concentration of one or more components of a gas mixture at a given point in the flow. To reduce the volume of calculations, the significant memorized are two components of the mixture: mass concentration of unburned fuel and burned, respectively. Combustion products. Radiant heat transfer is calculated by the equations for the emission of sulfur-containing gases, which, in fact, implies a constraint on the problem. Large-scale models may also be used in certain cases. FDS equations use the FVM finite volume method. In addition to using the LES turbulence model, successful attempts have been made to apply the direct numerical modeling method described in [9]. FDS has been tested in a number of laboratories and institutions in the United States. The validation done shows the possibility of its application in many cases [16].

4. Computer modeling and numerical simulations

A detailed description of the Fluent (CFD) program interface is given in [17, 18, 19].

Development of fire in atrium space: The development of fire occurred in a certain object—the building shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10, located on Tsarigradsko shose Blvd., Sofia.

Figure 9.

Building with atrium subject to simulation study [20].

Figure 10.

Building fire development.

The arrangement of the air exchange in the atrium space in case of fire is shown in Figure 10. Atrium air exchange was implemented, showing zones with critical parameters of radiation, smoke, and fire. It is important to note that all of the above is possible only by knowing the respective velocity or temperature field of the air in the room [5].

The geometric model so drawn shows the location of the fire, that is, hazard generator and flue gas outlet (smoke hatches).

In real fires, there is a degree transition zone between lower cold smoke and higher hot smoke.

The first smoke curtain signal may be calculated from the beginning of the transition zone formation. Thus, it can be assumed that forecasts using equations of this type depend on the exact application of the computer model.

After the 3D Atrium Model has been built (in the Gambit work environment), it is necessary to proceed with the “networking” procedure of the volume. Due to the large volume, it is not appropriate to use crosslinking of the elements in the same step.

For this reason, a fine mesh is selected at the site of fire generation and its departure from the room, while a larger one is used far from them.

In the present case, triangular elements were selected for the site of fire generation and the smoke hatches for the networking of persons with step 0.3 m. For the other walls as well as the volume of the atrium, a step of 0.5 m is chosen.

Figure 11 shows the velocity field in the atrium in vector form. It can be seen from the figure that high velocities are observed at the site of smoke generation, both near the walls and the high part of the atrium.

Figure 11.

The velocity field in atrium in vector form.

The temperature distribution in the volume of the atrium is shown in Figure 12. Areas with higher temperatures are clearly visible—near the source of smoke and the surrounding wall above it, and near the dome of the atrium.

Figure 12.

The distribution of temperature in the volume of the atrium.

Figure 13 shows the distribution of smoke in the atrium at various points in time for 120 s until equilibrium between the ascending and descending currents in the atrium is reached.

Figure 13.

The distribution of smoke in the atrium at different times. (a) 1320 s, and (b) 1440 s.

Figure 14 shows the change in turbulent kinetic energy in the atrium. What is striking is the fact that there is an intense transfer of substances from the outbreak of the fire along the wall of the atrium to the dome, and then it slowly subsides. When smoke reaches the floor of the room, the turbulent kinetic energy is approximately zero.

Figure 14.

Change in turbulent kinetic energy in the atrium.

Modern computer programs for numerical modeling of processes related to the simulation of air exchange in atriums can alleviate some regulatory requirements for protected premises (atriums), which can lead to significant savings for investors. If necessary, openings may be left open in the premises. With the use of fire ventilation, they will not have a negative effect on the parameters of the fire. In large areas, flue products may only be contained above the fire. The ability to make new, more practical, and economical architectural decisions is increasing.

Application of the FDS environment for predicting and restoring the spread of fires and damage in the building [21, 22].

An analysis is made in the FDS environment to look at the basic features on which it is based. In analyzing the program, it should be emphasized that it is related to the numerical mechanics of the fluids and software products built on this basis. The same system of private differential equations is used, with the difference between the CFD and the FDS medium in the equations used to describe the turbulence. Fluent programs utilize turbulence models, which narrows their applicability in the study of fires in unlimited space. Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is used for FDS. This expands the applicability in the study of currents and fires in open space, as well as the effect of wind, etc. Weather conditions when solving problems. The program is also used to analyze the spread of hazards in the work environment, both industrial and residential sites, as well as in the environment. This program allows to restore the development of fire in past events [5, 9, 16].

4.1 Closed-loop fire development modeling using the PyroSim (FDS) program

This simulation product is applicable to the modeling of fire development and the determination of the evacuation and extinguishing route indoors. The software environment offers intuitive function menus (graphical user interface) and provides results for the propagation of flue gases, hydrocarbons, and other substances during a fire, as well as the temperature distribution along the cross section of the model’s geometry. The program serves not only the prediction of the situation, but also the investigation of fire in the setting of the initial ignition zone, as well as training. The simulations in the program are based on the computational dynamics of fluids, and in particular, low-velocity convective currents. The capabilities of the software make it possible to investigate fires from cooking stoves to oil derivative stores (oil bases). The program is also applicable to simulation of flame-free processes, including building ventilation testing.

A detailed description of how to work with the PyroSim interface is given in [17].

Development of fire in a training building: The development of a fire in study building 2 of TU-Sofia is investigated. The fire is assumed to start from the ground floor—one of the laboratories (Figure 15).

Figure 15.

Building 2 of TU-Sofia.

Specific examples of the application of the PyroSim software product are shown in Figures 16–21 in a simulated fire in a training laboratory on the first floor of a technical building of the Technical University—Sofia. For the construction of the geometric model in Figure 16, the real barrier elements such as walls, doors, and windows, as well as the materials of which they are constructed with their respective melting/ignition temperatures, are taken into account.

Figure 16.

Working environment for drawing the geometric model.

Figure 17.

Flue gas propagation in the building within 50 s of the simulation.

Figure 18.

Flue gas propagation in the building within 60 s of the simulation.

Figure 19.

Flue gas propagation in the building at 440 s of the simulation.

Figure 20.

Speed distribution for 3800 s of simulation.

Figure 21.

Temperature distribution for the 480th second of the simulation.

Instantaneous flue gas images of the building are shown in Figure 17 (for 50s), Figure 18 (for 60s), and Figure 19 (for 440 s). It is clear that the smoke is spreading as fast as possible on one of the stairs, which is a kind of chimney (chimney) for this part of the building. For the same period of time, smoke spreads down the corridor on the first floor. Since there are no smoke barriers (doors) installed between the same staircase and the corridors on the floors, it will spread to all floors and will make it difficult to evacuate people in the building. Partition doors are placed on the next staircase (to the right of the model shown in Figure 18 and Figure 19), which are intended to prevent the smoke from burning the floors in the direction from the staircase to the corridors, but in this case the flue gases will meet on both sides. The same barriers and reduced visibility in this enclosure will cause additional evacuation difficulties, because people will not easily notice where the barrier on the second staircase is and are likely to collide with it glass shutter door, which is closed by a mechanical machine (mechanism), which is a prerequisite for an accident during the evacuation and may lead to an increase in the number of casualties in the building.

Figure 20 shows the velocity distribution along the vertical section of a building for 3800 s of the simulation. It is clear that the first and last floors of the building and the staircase adjacent to the burning room are affected at the beginning of the process, and then the other floors.

Figure 21 shows the temperature distribution along the vertical section of a building for the 480th second of the simulation. From here, it is reported that in the fire zone in the laboratory the temperature is above 200°C, and at the site in the hallway in front of it, where the nearby staircase is, the temperature is above 120°C. As the building climbs, the temperature drops to about 60°C until the third floor, indicating that there should be no escape route in this area without protective clothing. By linking the data from the previous figures, the instructions for the mandatory availability of respiratory protection may also be added, as this is also the main route for the distribution of flue gases.

The results of the simulation of a fire occurring in a particular building give preliminary information about the flaws in its design with respect to fire safety. If taken into account, placing barriers in the right places, as well as revising the evacuation route from the building would lead to increased security in the event of a disaster or accident and to removal all people without damage to their health.

5. Conclusion

The results obtained in this chapter are first and foremost a practical application that allows solving problems related to fire prevention and analysis in a restricted area.

The technical solution to limit the spread of fires is to use protective water curtains, as they isolate burning vehicles from the environment and thus prevent the transfer of fire to other vehicles in the underground garage. The solution can be applied to any particular similar object.

The results of the two simulations of fire in specific buildings indicate the possibility of Fluent and FDS-PyroSim software in analyzing fire spread, smoke, temperature, and harmfulness in confined spaces. As shown, these simulations can be used:

in the case of designing buildings with fixed sprinklers and evacuation routes.

in judicial analysis of the consequences of the fire by initiation of its development over time.

chapter statistics

More statistics for editors and authors

We are IntechOpen, the world's leading publisher of Open Access books. Built by scientists, for scientists. Our readership spans scientists, professors, researchers, librarians, and students, as well as business professionals. We share our knowledge and peer-reveiwed research papers with libraries, scientific and engineering societies, and also work with corporate R&D departments and government entities.